New Jersey Foster Care Scholars Program
embrella, in partnership with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), provides educational assistance through the New Jersey Foster Care (NJFC) Scholars Program
Growth
Since the program was signed into existence in 2003, more than 438 New Jersey Foster Care Scholars have confirmed completion of their degree and obtained a certification, Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree.
Eligibility
Are you wondering if you, or someone you care for, is eligible for NJFC? Click here to see the eligibility requirements.
Deadlines
The Spring 2021 NJFC Scholars Application deadline is February 1st.
NJFC Scholars Program Information
The NJFC Scholars Program has two sources of funding each with its own eligibility criteria. The student’s case history will determine the source of funding and services the scholarship will pay for.
The New Jersey Foster Care (NJFC) Scholars Program was initially put into place after Governor McGreevey signed the Tuition Waiver Bill in July of 2003: the first source of funding. Through the passing of this legislation eligible foster and homeless youth may receive assistance with tuition and fees (not including room and board) at a public New Jersey college, university or vocational school if enrolled full-time.
In addition, assistance for eligible students attending in-state public schools, as well as private or out of state institutions is available through the Federal Education and Training Voucher Program: the second source of funding for the NJFC Scholarship Program. Students eligible for this program may receive up to $5,000 in assistance for the academic year in the following areas:
- Tuition and Fees
- Room and Board
- Books and Supplies
- Transportation
- Computers/Special Equipment
- Child Care Costs
Contact Foster and Adoptive Family Services (embrella) at 800.222.0047 or scholarships@embrella.org. In addition to staff being able to answer any questions you have over the phone or through email, we also have webinars regarding post-secondary education, financial aid, the FAFSA and NJFC Scholars Program applications available throughout the year. For more information, please contact Scholarships Program Manager Ebony Lenard.
What is considered a CP&P (formerly DYFS) out-of-home paid placement?
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- Resource Family (foster parent)
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- Group Homes
- Independent Living Facilities
What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
What is acceptable proof that I filled out my FAFSA?
Can I use the NJFC Scholars Program at ANY school?
Please note, based on the eligibility criteria some students may be limited to attendance at a New Jersey Public institution. Contact embrella for more information.
What is the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program?
When do I submit my application and what is a 'priority deadline?'
Applications completed in full by the priority deadline will guarantee that accepted students names will be included in the first requests for information from the post-secondary institutions for scholarship reimbursement.
The priority deadline for fall is July 1, however, applications will continue to be accepted until September 1 for Fall and Spring and February 1 for Spring only.
Where do I send my completed NJFC Scholars Program application?
embrella
Attn: Scholarship Department
101 College Road East Floor 3
Princeton, NJ 08540
Or faxed to:
609.520.1515
Completed applications can also be scanned and emailed to scholarships@embrella.org.
What will happen if my application packet is INCOMPLETE?
What will happen if my application packet is COMPLETE?
Once Accepted Into the NJFC Scholars Program:
Once accepted, how do I get help with tuition?
Once accepted, how do I get help with other educational expenses (books, rent, computer, transportation, etc.)?
Once accepted, what are the expectations of an NJFC Scholar?
- Scholars must maintain and check their email regularly
- Scholars must update their Scholarship Coordinator immediately if any contact information (mailing address, phone number, email address) changes
- Scholars must meet the Academic Policy
- Students eligible for Educational Support Requests (ESR) are responsible for submitting their ESR form to their Scholarship Coordinator each semester
- Funding may only be used for the purpose indicated on any received promissory emails. Misusing funding may result in termination of funding and/ a removal from NJFC Scholars Program